Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs said in its recent March 2026 press release that for the 2026 season, they will officially use “blacklisting” reports from 2025 to screen every single berry-picking visa application.
In a major move to protect foreign workers, Finnish embassies will now put your potential boss under a microscope before they even look at your paperwork. If a company has a history of underpaying workers or providing poor housing, their ability to hire from South Asia will be blocked. This is a massive safety upgrade for anyone dreaming of a legal job in Europe.
Finland Ministry for Foreign Affairs Official Press Release March 2026 →
Why This Matters for You
Since 2025, Finland has classified berry picking as contractual employment under the Seasonal Workers Act. This isn’t just a “gig” anymore, it’s a formal job with legal rights.
For the first time in 2026, Finnish authorities will use Supervisory Agency reports to track how employers treated workers in the previous year. If a company provided poor housing or failed to pay full wages in 2025, they will be blocked from hiring you in 2026.
Key Changes for the 2026 Season
Employer Responsibility: Companies are now legally responsible for your recruitment costs, housing quality, and your rights on the ground.
Visa Denials: If the Finnish Embassy finds any signs of past employee exploitation by the company, your visa application will likely be denied to protect you.
Increased Volume: The Finnish Embassy in Bangkok is already preparing for a massive surge in applications, signaling that more spots may be available—but under much tighter scrutiny.
What You Need to Do
To secure a 3-month seasonal visa for the upcoming season, you must ensure your paperwork is airtight:
Demand a Contract: You cannot pick berries on a tourist visa. You must have a signed employment contract from a Finnish company.
Verify the Employer: Ensure the company hiring you has a clean record from 2025.
Apply Early: With applications on the rise, processing times at Finnish missions (like those serving South Asia) are expected to be busy.
J. Maham is a specialized travel and immigration analyst with a focus on European work permits and South Asian’s mobility. With over 5 years of experience tracking global visa policy shifts, Maham provides verified, actionable insights for professionals seeking legal pathways to the EU and beyond.